Just a month after being featured as gsport’s February Woman of the Month, Athletics South Africa (ASA) announces the departure of General Manager Linda Ferns, who has resigned to pursue other interests, with effect from April 30.
Ferns has worked for ASA since her arrival in 1994 as Personal Assistance to the CEO and was then promoted to be Events / Marketing Manager in 1999. In April 2005, she was promoted to the newly created position of General Manager.
"I’ve I had 14 wonderful and fulfilling years at ASA," Ferns says. "Everything I know about the sport today is because of the opportunity of working at ASA. I did speak with the President at the end of January 2008, and we reached an amicable compromise that I stay on until after the ASA Annual General Meeting in April is held. In ASA we are in the middle of our Track and Field season, so I think it would have been unfair to leave the organisation during this busy period.
"My decision to resign from ASA was taken after a lot of self-deliberation. The decision basically came about when I decided that I did not want to still be at ASA when I am 50 or even 60 years old for that matter. Change is good, and with change usually comes good things and ideas.
"I firmly believe that ASA is ready for change right now. We have 90,000 registered athletes in South Africa, and athletics is probably the biggest mass participation sport in SA. Serving that number of athletes is a huge, but positive challenge.
"When I first arrived here, it was just another job but it was not for long. Soon, I had fallen in love with the sport and the people. And for the first time in my life, I felt a part of a cause.
"I loved the fact that I was part of people working together to better something in South Africa. This has really been a home. I thank ASA for the opportunity and the experience that I take with me. I wish the organisation continued growth," says Ferns.
ASA President, Leonard Chuene says: "On behalf of ASA, I want to thank Miss Ferns for her contribution to the sport and wish her all the luck in her future endeavours. During her period as GM, we have seen a number of young employees coming through her administration and into useful roles in the organisation."
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